A Maple Ridge man is being accused of sexually abusing children who attended his wife’s daycare.
Latif Hamad Tata was arrested Thursday and was remanded in custody for an appearance on Monday.
The 37-year-old father of two faces multiple counts of sexual assault against children.
“Ridge Meadows RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit are continuing this investigation,” said Cpl. Alanna Dunlop.
“The young victims were left in the care of the daycare, which runs out of the basement of the family’s home.”
Tata’s wife Breshna runs Shining Stars Daycare on 122 Avenue.
Police have informed the Ministry for Children and Family Development, as well as the Fraser Health’s community care facilities licensing about this case.
Investigators spent this past weekend interviewing children and their parents.
“Our investigators are still interviewing children and parents,” added Dunlop.
“In order to further our investigation we are asking for any other victims, or witnesses, to come forward and talk to police. This matter is now before the courts, so I will not comment on the specifics of the allegations.”
Fraser Health confirmed that Shining Stars Daycare has closed on Friday, a day of Tata’s was arrested by police.
The decision to close the daycare was made voluntarily by Tata’s wife, according to spokesperson Kathleen Butler.
“She was going to provides with a second health and safety plan but has not done that yet so it will remain closed until a plan is agreed to,” Butler added.
Police are asking for any parent who’s child attended the Shining Stars Daycare on 122 Avenue, who have not already been contacted, or have concerns, to call Ridge Meadows RCMP at 604-463-6251.
This business should not be confused with Shining Stars Montessori Daycare and Preschool in east Maple Ridge.
He is the second man in the past year to be charged in connection with allegations of sexual assault at a daycare.
The charges against that man have since been dropped.
